Life Without Limitations: The Vision of Future Surgeon, Hazell Nickerson
September 8, 2026For some, life without limitations may look like running an ultramarathon, becoming a master painter, or curing cancer.
Scholarship recipient and surgeon-to-be, Hazell Nickerson, has her own definition. After witnessing firsthand how injuries and disabilities impact quality of life, Hazell views life without limitations as the ability to move through everyday life, productive and pain-free.
Addressing The World’s Leading Cause of Disability
As a student-athlete, Hazell saw how physical health and mobility impacted what people could do and how they felt.
According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 1.7 billion people. From injuries on the court to arthritis in the joints, these conditions limit mobility and dexterity, causing people to retire early, participate less in society, and feel worse in their daily lives.
Hazell is studying biology at the University of Rochester on the pre-medical track. After school, she wants to mitigate the effects of chronic pain as an orthopedic surgeon. Her goal is to help people feel better, both physically and emotionally, in ways that last.
Healing Structures and Symptoms
For Hazell, becoming a physician is more than just healing bones and muscles; she wants to help heal the medical system itself.
“While symptom management is important, it often does not provide long-term solutions for patients,” said Hazell. “I want to be part of a shift toward more comprehensive, patient-centered care, where physicians take the time to understand the full picture of a patient’s health, including lifestyle, habits, and underlying conditions.”
A Vision for a Healthier, Happier Rochester
A Livingston County native, Hazell received the Sheldon Scholarship — awarded to graduating students from Caledonia Mumford Central School who demonstrate good citizenship, dependability, trustworthiness, and a sincere interest in furthering their education.
Growing up in Caledonia, NY, Hazell saw the need to expand access to quality healthcare for both physical health and personal growth.
“A thriving Greater Rochester, to me, is a community where access to quality healthcare and education is equitable and available to all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. It is a place where people feel supported…and where barriers to care are minimized.”
The journey to systemic change is long, but Hazell’s experience on the University of Rochester women’s basketball team has prepared her for this type of effort. “Basketball has taught me resilience, perseverance, and how to push through challenges, even when progress feels difficult.”
Hazell’s resilience and motivation keep her focused on her goal: ensuring that a life without limitations can be attainable for all.
Expand Access Through Scholarships
Scholarships provide crucial support to students pursuing big dreams.
You can help local students by donating to the Education Fund or establishing a named scholarship. To learn more about setting up a scholarship fund or supporting students like Hazell, please contact Kara Dwyer (kdwyer@racf.org), Philanthropic Planning Officer.
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